Israel Strikes Yemen’s Sanaa Airport in Retaliation for Houthi Missile Attack
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply this week as the Israeli military launched a powerful airstrike on Sanaa International Airport, Yemen’s main aviation hub. The strike comes in direct response to a ballistic missile attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels that targeted the area near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport just two days earlier.
Details of the Airstrike
On May 6, Israeli fighter jets bombarded strategic locations within and around the Sanaa airport, including:
The airport runway and terminal infrastructure
Aircraft hangars and control towers
A military base reportedly operated by Houthi forces
A nearby concrete factory and power stations allegedly used for military operations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the goal was to disable the Houthis' ability to launch further missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.
Precautionary Measures and Damage Report
According to the IDF, warnings were issued prior to the strike urging civilians to evacuate the vicinity of the airport. As of now, no casualties have been reported in the Sanaa attack. However, Israeli strikes on Hodeidah port the day before resulted in four deaths and nearly 40 injuries, based on Houghton health ministry figures.
The operation has left Sanaa International Airport completely inoperable, cutting off one of the region’s key gateways for humanitarian aid and travel.
Why the Strike Happened
The airstrike follows a missile launched by Houthi militants on May 4, which landed near Tel Aviv’s main airport, injuring four people and forcing brief flight suspensions. The Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli military operations continue.
International Reactions
The situation has drawn swift reactions:
Iran condemned the Israeli airstrike and accused Israel of escalating tensions in the region.
The United States has urged restraint but continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense.
International organizations have raised concerns over the impact on Yemeni civilians and humanitarian operations.
What’s Next?
The Israeli Houthi confrontation marks a new chapter in the broader regional conflict. With Sanaa airport now disabled, and both sides exchanging fire, analysts fear a deeper military entanglement that could stretch from Gaza and Israel to the Arabian Peninsula.
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